A Lean Three Months

As we travelled for two of the last three months my reading suffered. Somehow, even though I didn't read much, I am still on track to reach my goal of 100 books read in 2025 in the Goodreads Reading Challenge.

My Current Goodreads Tally

Following are images of covers of the books I managed to read. 

I really enjoyed The Bookseller, I have become quite fond of Detective D.S. Cross and look forward to reading the couple in the series that I haven't yet read. 

As we prepare for a trip to the Galapagos I read Darwin and the Beagle for background knowledge. I was expecting something dry but was surprised to find it easy to read (and most informative). 

Although I only read Orbital a few weeks ago and gave it four stars at the time I cannot remember any detail. Guess it didn't make an impression on me. I found Daughters of the Bamboo Grove a fascinating story that held my interest right up to the last page.

With another holiday looming I am hoping I can keep on track with my reading.

Trolls on our Trail

 As we travelled around in Norway and Sweden recently we met many Trolls. We didn't bring any home but you can meet some of them below. 

Oslo, Norway

These next five are from a display in a gift shop in Oslo

Also in Oslo

It was a warm day in Molde, Norway

Welcome to Nordkapp, Norway, Europe's northernmost mainland point 

This chap in Honnigsvag, Norway needed anew wardrobe

We found these last three in a souvenir shop in Solvaer, Norway

We met so many Trolls but most of them were camera shy.

Three Overnights

 Having a few nights in Oslo gave us plenty of time to indulge in some Doordling from our conveniently located hotel, the Thon Hotel Opera. 

We came across some beauties. Following is a selection.

There's a Blue Plaque but I didn't translate it

The Norwegian Order of Freemasons

An English Pub

Outside of the Cathedral

Inside the Cathedral

A Restaurant - aptly named

Our home away from home

A very busy library

Old Railway Station

Customs House

Oslo City Hall

Goodbye Oslo

A Laudable Library

So grateful that the Norwegian weatherman got today's forecast wrong and that we enjoyed a mostly fine day.

 
We had a splendid last day of walking around this beautiful clean green city that has many stunning old and new buildings.

 
My favourite was the amazing huge Deichman Bjørvika Public Library. It was so good we may pop in again before we leave Oslo tomorrow.

Come and take a look inside.